West Somerset Autumn Steam Gala - 5th to 8th October 2017

Just from MD. One day it's backwards, other day it's doubled with front loco facing forwards but inside loco facing the carriages.

 

Thank you.

 

Many thanks, but are you able to confirm 7714 please?

 

I wish! I have asked as word elsewhere suggests 1501 will visit in place of an ailing 7714. Hopefully official word will come soon.

Steve

 

The full four vehicle QB rake is running within set D throughout the ASG event. Set D consist is expected to be formed (from MD) TSO, TSO, RMB1804 (buffet car), FO3108 (non-dining, £2 supplement per single journey), RU1909 (locked out Thurs/Fri, Breakfasts until 3pm Sat/Sun), BSK35408 (no public access).

35408 has to run every day to provide generator power for the RMB and RU. The FO will provide First Class seats each day. The RU is within the consist on Thurs/Fri for operational convenience, i.e. to avoid additional shunts to remove it/add it.

Set D will be stabled in BL bay platform siding each evening to facilitate landline connections and servicing. The bay siding has a 6 Mk1 capacity. That is the reason set D consist is 6 vehicles rather than 7.

QB most unfortunately has limited staff resources this weekend, essentially due to key folk being refused leave at the day job (due to colleague absence). Consequently we had to cape our planned Friday operations and restrict our Saturday/Sunday menu to 'All Day Breakfast' (last orders 3pm). Regrettably, at the time this event's £3 booklet went to print we were unable to finally confirm QB arrangements. That is why QB details are omitted.

@QB Cook and I are hopeful of a change in personal circumstances next year. If this comes to fruition, then QB would be able to operate every day of every gala for the foreseeable future, including gala Thursdays. There is also a good chance that we will provide a breakfast service during this year's Winter Steam Festival (29/30 December). If this happens it will be QBs very first appearance at a WSF event.

In the meantime QB continues it's very busy and highly successful 2017 season. Our trains are consistently running full and the 2017 programme sold out some time ago. Last weekend we ran a wedding special (hence my 'no show' at WSRA AGM) and a Sunday lunch service the following day. Later this month we have more Sunday Luncheon trains and a Murder Mystery evening. In December we have several Christmas Lunches, Dunster by Candlelight, another Murder Mystery and hopefully WSF. We have to concentrate resources on the core programme while also actively planning a full programme for 2018. 'Tis all good fun and very rewarding but quite exhausting!

Great to meet several Nat Pres members on board QB this season, including @brauntonians last Sunday. Hope to see a few more of you this weekend.

TTFN,

Barrie

 

Its officially confirmed on the WSR Minehead MPD fb page - 1501 will be coming instead of 7714

 

That's a shame. 1501 is a nice engine but 7714 is more prototypical for this line.

Depends on the weather* , Barrie. I have had several meals on the QB over the last few galas - all excellent.

(*if wet, travelling, if dry, lineside).

 

As 7714 is fairly newly "in ticket" there should be other opportunities for a WSR visit.

 

I see that 75014 has arrived @ BL from the Torbay Railway. https://www.facebook.com/WSrail/pho...353569354043/1576218442400875/?type=3&theater

 

Disappointed no double headed manors having read WTT, would've been nice to see something other than double 7Fs

 

Any photo charters during gala? Thxs

 

Don Bishop is running a charter on Friday 13 October.

 

Ah I'm in Spain

 

Ok anyone have any idea which set is the blood and custards? Assuming either a7 or b7 and also assuming that means a choc on one end?

 

Set A, 6 b&cs, no choc & cream!

 

Stunning thanks.... assumed it was load 7 as the tt says a7

 

Hang on, that's my line!

 

Set A spent some of the day behind 1501 (substituting for 7714), which may explain it. As it's behind 1501 for some of tomorrow as well, it could be 6 tomorrow too. It may have to have a chocolate & cream addition at the weekend.

 

More pics at wsr.org.uk

Steve

 

Autumn Steam Gala 5-8 Oct - almost worth coming just to see these two in steam at Washford Station.
Steve